Wholesome Grains Red Meat & Grains Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified May 20, 2026
This is a high-protein, grain-inclusive dry dog food made with beef, pork, beef meal, and lamb as key animal protein sources, supported by wholesome grains like oats, sorghum, and millet. It includes added fish oil for omega-3s, taurine, and a mix of vitamins and minerals to support balanced nutrition for most life stages. Prebiotics, probiotic cultures, and moderate fiber from ingredients like miscanthus grass and chicory root are included to help support digestive health.
This is a very good quality, meat-forward, grain-inclusive kibble suitable for most dogs from puppy through adulthood, except for large-breed puppies. It offers a solid protein and fat profile, multiple animal protein sources, and beneficial add-ons like omega-3s, taurine, joint-support nutrients, and probiotics. It’s a strong option for owners who want a legume-free formula that still emphasizes animal ingredients and wholesome grains, as long as their dog doesn’t need a controlled-calorie or large-breed growth diet.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Multiple named animal proteins (beef, pork, beef meal, lamb) high in the ingredient list provide good-quality, varied protein sources.
- Grain-inclusive formula using oats, sorghum, and millet instead of peas or lentils, which avoids the legume-heavy patterns linked with some heart concerns in dogs.
- Balanced macronutrient profile for a dry food (27% protein, 17% fat as-fed) with added omega-3s, taurine, and joint-support nutrients like glucosamine.
- Includes prebiotic fibers and several probiotic strains, which can help support a healthy gut microbiome in many dogs.
Considerations
- Not appropriate for large-breed puppies, as it is specifically excluded for large-breed growth; those dogs need a diet formulated for their growth needs.
- Contains multiple common protein allergens (beef, pork, lamb, fish), so it may not be suitable for dogs with known food allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Calorie density is fairly high (371 kcal per cup), so portion control is important for dogs prone to weight gain, especially less active pets.
- Fiber level (6% max) with added miscanthus grass is on the higher side for some dogs and could cause softer stools or gassiness in particularly sensitive individuals.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
02
Pork
Pork is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein and flavor enhancer, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins (especially B12 and niacin), iron and zinc, plus fat for calorie-dense energy; it can be suitable for both dogs and cats when balanced in a complete diet. Because pork can be relatively high in fat, it may be inappropriate for pets requiring low‑fat diets or those prone to pancreatitis, some animals may have sensitivities to pork, and raw or undercooked pork can carry parasites or pathogens so it should be properly processed or cooked.
03
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
04
Oat Groat
Oat groats are the whole, minimally processed oat kernels (hull removed) used in pet foods as a source of complex carbohydrates, soluble fiber (including beneficial beta‑glucans), and modest amounts of protein, B vitamins, and minerals. They provide digestible energy and can support gastrointestinal health and weight management when cooked or processed for improved digestibility, but should be used in moderation—especially in cat diets and in pets with grain sensitivities or carbohydrate‑restricted conditions such as diabetes.
05
Sorghum
Sorghum is a cereal grain commonly used in pet foods as a source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber and modest plant protein, often chosen as a gluten‑free alternative to wheat or corn. It can provide fermentable fiber and antioxidant compounds that may support digestion and glycemic control, but is generally less digestible than some grains unless properly processed and certain tannin‑rich varieties can reduce nutrient availability, so quality sourcing and appropriate formulation are important—particularly for cats, whose diets should remain primarily animal‑based.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
ACANA offers high-protein dog and cat foods made from fresh regional ingredients. The brand focuses on biologically appropriate nutrition with recipes inspired by nature, often containing various ratios of meat, fish, and poultry along with fruits and vegetables. Positioned as a premium choice, ACANA targets pet owners seeking high-quality, grain-free or limited-ingredient diets.
Visit AcanaManufacturer
Champion Petfoods maintains full control over its manufacturing through its own award-winning kitchens — NorthStar in Alberta, Canada, and DogStar in Kentucky, USA. The company implements strict quality control, adheres to HACCP and FDA manufacturing standards, and monitors safety through both internal testing and third-party audits.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Acana Wholesome Grains Red Meat & Grains Recipe Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Acana ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Acana. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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